BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West Education and Sport Development department has obtained position three in the South African Indigenous Games festival recently. The games were held on 25–28 September 2016 at Seshego Stadium, near Polokwane.

The department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said the results indicated that Bokone Bophirima has moved one position up from their fourth position they obtained back in 2015.

“The provincial team obtained two Gold and two Bronze medals which catapulted them to 28 points. Kwa-Zulu Natal obtained position one with 52 points followed by Limpopo province with 31 points.

“Bokone Bophirima obtained gold in the Driestokies Female and Gold medal in the Khokho ladies category. They also obtained two Bronze medals in the Driestokies ladies and Dibeke mixed team categories,” Malindi said.

A student from North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Sibongile Ntshingila, 25 from North West University (Potchefstroom Campus) obtained maximum points in the Driestokies.

“I am very honoured and excited to have taken part in these games. I cannot believe that I obtained the highest points in our category. I owe this success to my teammates and the entire province. Next year I think we are going to work extra hard to obtain position one,” Ntshingila said.

The coach for Khokho, Johny Molifi said he was proud of the team’s achievements. Molifi highlighted that pupils should start to participate in the Indigenous games at an early age.

The Bokone Bophirima Education and Sport Development MEC, Sello Lehari could not hide his excitement on the results of the team.

The provincial team competed in 9 different codes namely; Kgati, Intonga, Diketo, Dibeke, Khokho, Jukskei, Driestokies, Morabaraba and Incuva. Last year Bokone Bophirima obtained position 3 and this year they hope to improve their position.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 50-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Schweizer Reneke on Thursday. North West police said Sannieshof Stock theft Unit together with police in Schweizer Reneke arrested the suspect in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Pelonomi Makau said for possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition.

“The suspect who is from Ivory Park in Tembisa, Gauteng Province was arrested after the police acted on a tip-off. The suspect was on his way to Bloemhof and police followed him up. His vehicle was spotted near a tavern in Migdol near Schweizer-Reneke.

“The suspect was arrested after questioning and search at Schweizer-Reneke Police Station. Police found a rifle, a silencer, seven ammunition used to kill rhinos and elephants, an axe as well as a foil were found hidden inside the suspect’s vehicle.

“Preliminary investigation has shown that the suspect has an outstanding case of bribery and corruption in Honeydew, Gauteng Province.  The police cannot rule out likelihood that he was planning to poach rhinos in the North West,” Makau said.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended the members for their cooperation that culminated in the arrest of the suspect.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

LOCAL Government and Human Settlements department has rolled out a campaign to issue out title deeds to confirm home ownership to residents. The campaign was recently intensified when 360 title deeds were issued to home owners in Groot Marico under Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality.

North West local development and human settlements department MEC Fenny Gaolaolwe said 600 units were recently completed in Groot Marico. Gaolaolwe handed out 360 title deeds to rightful beneficiaries.

“It was a great honour to provide the beneficiaries in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality with their title deeds. We believe there is nothing more empowering than owning an asset. These beneficiaries now have proof of ownership of their houses which is the necessary evidence for them to be able to leverage this asset.

“We urge the residents of Groot Marico not sell their houses to anybody as it remains illegal to do so. We also engaged with applicants were most of them were under the age of 25. We requested them not apply for houses but rather ask clarity on how best can the department be of assistance in getting bursaries for them to pursue through higher education,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries Ester Khethene, 50 of Groot Marico who has been staying with her family lauded the department.

Gaolaolwe further said a noticeable difference has been made into the lives of disadvantaged people in Bokone Bophirima. She said housing development provides underprivileged people with decent shelter which restored their dignity and provided them with security and comfort.

“However, the legality of home ownership of government subsidized Breaking New Ground housing units remained a thorn to owners and posed certain challenges.”

“I am grateful and highly appreciate what the department has done. I really never thought that one day I will have this title deed like many other residents. Getting a title deed was being offered a level of freedom and opportunity,” Khethene said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Three suspects aged between 68 and 76 will appear in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court on Monday for murder. North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Pelonomi Makau said Phokeng stock theft unit attended a complaint of stock theft at Mogono section cattle post in Luka, near Phokeng on Thursday.

“The police found a man, 24, unconscious after allegedly being severely beaten lying inside one of the suspects’ vehicle with body injuries and his hands tied. The man later passed away at the clinic,” Makau said.

The suspects who are suspected to be farmers were linked to the murder and were subsequently arrested.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

TWO suspects were arrested after being found in possession of suspected stolen copper. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said the suspects aged 38 and 39 respectively.

“The arrest came after the police received a tip-off regarding a certain vehicle which was driving on Barkly Road and suspected to be loaded with copper. They saw the vehicle befitting the description on the premises of a local scrap yard and approached the driver and the passenger. And upon the investigation, a bag filled with 21.5kg of copper was found in their possession,” Kock said.

He said the suspects are due to appear in Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession suspected stolen copper.

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

NORTH West police are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident along Delareyville and Ottosdal near Kareekuil farm on Friday. Provincial police Lieutenant Colonel Pelonomi Makau said a pedestrian, 55 was killed and the driver drove-off.

“The driver failed to stop and report an accident. The incident was reported to the police by a passer-by. The police request anyone with information that may lead to arrest of the suspect to contact Detective Constable Heneck on 079 331 0495 or Ottosdal  police station on 018 571 9000,” she said.

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BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

TWO suspects aged 28 and 49 respectively have been arrested in connection of murder. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Sergio Kock said a 29 year-old man was allegedly fatally stabbed and hit with a hammer at Parson Lane in Kimberley.

“It is alleged that the duo had an argument with the deceased in the early hours of Sunday. The deceased suffered multiple stab wounds on both upper and lower body and was declared dead on the scene. The suspects were arrested and charged with murder. They will appear in Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,” Kock said.

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BY KATLEGO MOKAILA

The evidence of water scarcity is overwhelming all over the world. In the past, most conflicts fought over the world were of discrimination; and it is clear that if we do not take action right now, beyond doubt the next war to be fought will be over water.

Most of us only notice water when we need it, but do you know that water is continuously flowing?

If not used by you then it is used by someone else. Today the world has become a smaller place in terms of engagements over water, and most platforms encourage comprehensive participation in water management.

We always witness the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, in the media pronouncing on water issues. But do you know that Mokonyane together with our President, Jacob Zuma continuously searching for solutions and engaging with the global community to ensure that poverty is eradicated and that we can live a better life?

Recently, President Jacob Zuma was in New York during the High Level Panel on Water, setting a direction on water and calling for a better participation of the global community. We talk of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and how it acts as the vehicle in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Africa. Do you know that President Jacob Zuma also attended the G20 Summit in China which among others prioritises taking urgent action in combating climate change and its impacts?

Recently in Stockholm, Minister Mokonyane met with the World Bank and the Dutch Government from Holland about investments on further innovative solutions for dignified sanitation. South Africa is also working with Sweden looking at purification of water and the demand for Waste Water Treatment Works. It is not unexpected of course that currently South Africa is complementing the African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW) in ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all in Africa. A lot of work which involves countless international engagements is taking place.

Now what is our role as South Africans, because water is not just about technical issues only but is also about us as people managing it? Are you the champion to lead the community against saving water, vandalism of water infrastructure? Are you as well calling on those who connect water illegally into order? My point is that as South Africans we have a role in changing our own lives through saving water. With leaders in the water business engaging globally, why a nation such as ours cannot implement water saving techniques that are meant to benefit us?

Many people don’t realize it yet, but establishing our own water committees in consultation with our councillors and municipalities has a huge potential for promoting better cooperation between the public and Government on issues of water, and that in turn will bridge the information gap about this precious resource, especially since it is a basic human right.

KatlegoMokaila is the Communications Manager in the Department of Water and Sanitation, in North West Province. Mokaila’s views do not necessary represents the newspaper’s views or any stakeholders attached to it. This remains her views.   

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 79-YEAR-OLD woman from Klipgat was assaulted and threatened after being accused of witchcraft. North West police urged community members to report criminal activities taking place within their vicinities. This comes after it was established that some of criminal activities were not reported.

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said subsequently, police will only become aware of such incidents through the media while no case was registered.

“It is imperative that crime is reported on time to the police as this will also assist during investigation including attending of crime scenes before they become contaminated. The witchcraft incident was not reported to the police.

“While victims of crime have a right to communicate with the media about crime related incidents affecting them, it is equally important that such incidents are reported to the police for investigation,” Mokgwabone said.

He said the community is requested to have trust in the police and work together with the Community Police Forum (CPF) for any policing related challenges. Mokgwabone added that this will also ensure that incidents get proper attention.

“It is also incumbent on crime reporters and journalists to confirm such incidents with the police. This will assist in balancing the story and contribute towards protecting the rights of victims through actions that will be taken once a case is reported.
“The community is once more urged to refrain from illegal and criminal activities by taking the law into their own hands. The police will not hesitate to take action against those who disrespect the rule of law because when found guilty, they are likely to serve lengthy jail terms,” he said. – TDN

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